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New podcast – Is it really mental ‘illness’?

Our latest podcast examining mental health and the reasons why the term ‘mental illness’ should not be used is now available to download, review and subscribe on iTunes, Tunein and Blubrry.

Dr Peter Kinderman argues that mental emotional distress is not a sign of illness but a symptom of social causes and pressure.

Depression, anxiety and even schizophrenia can be serious and debilitating experiences for people; but Dr Kinderman says the causes of these symptoms will not be found inside the brain but rather outside the person.

Mental distress

Unemployment, bullying, child abuse, these are often the causes of mental distress – and the treatment he prescribes is for all of us to take greater social responsibility to address the situation rather than just reaching for medication.

Dr Kinderman is Vice-President of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University’s Institute of Psychology, Health and Society.

The podcasts aim to bring listeners closer to some of the academic experts, authors and innovative thinkers from the University who, through their in-depth analyses, research and discoveries are affecting positive change in the world today.

Key issues

Each episode features one or more of our academic experts discussing research in their specialist field. The podcasts, which have been produced in collaboration with the University of Liverpool online programmes team, are intended to provide a quick route to insider knowledge on new trends and upcoming key issues.

The series, hosted by Canadian journalist and producer Neil Morrison, features in depth conversations.